Small Business, February 2011

  • [FRANCHISEHELP]

    Help From the Inside

    Companies of all sizes are urging their franchisees to share ideas and help each other out. They're holding conference calls and conventions, setting up mentoring programs and sending in veteran owners to assist newcomers or struggling outlets.

  • Franchisee v. Franchiser

    Issues large and small marked another litigious year for the U.S. franchising industry. Here's a look at the landmarks.

  • [SOCIAL2]

    Social-Media Blitz Is Sweet for Bakery

    New York's Spot Dessert has been holding contests on Facebook and offering discounts to people who "like" the place—and that's just the beginning.

  • [BORROW]

    Housing Slump Fuels Credit Squeeze

    It's no secret that some entrepreneurs use home equity to finance their companies, but during the housing boom they leaned on it harder than ever. That set them up for a credit crunch when the market collapsed.

  • [PAYMENT]

    The Battle Against Slow Payers

    Small companies are using a host of online options to make billing and payment as easy—and inescapable—as possible. Some are even trying to head off problems before they arise by checking potential clients' credit history over the Web.

  • [FREELANCE-C]

    Supporting Solo Entrepreneurs

    Growing numbers of Americans are striking out on their own as solo entrepreneurs. And a whole industrial complex has sprung up to support them, with everything from temporary offices to online services.

  • Small Talk

    We answer questions on choosing a company name, creating an iPhone application and raising funds online.

  • Web Watch

    A look at useful sites for entrepreneurs—everything from finding financing to organizing your contacts online.

  • The Next Journal Report: Innovations in Energy

    • Developing a revolutionary nuclear-power reactor
    • Paying big electricity customers to cut back
    • Creative financing for energy-efficiency projects
    • Electricity monitors can help homeowners save big

    Coming Monday, Feb. 28

The Money Game

  • [SEA]

    Laid Off and Launching

    Several states allow aspiring entrepreneurs to collect unemployment benefits—while they're building their business.

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